Advantages: Can Look Good, Self Expression
Disadvantages: Potential Cost, Pain, Some People Take Offence, Pain, Pain!

...I have been to the tattooist yesterday and managed to get an old tattoo covered up with a new and improved one! Here is my advice on getting a tattoo. ***History*** Tattoos are one of the oldest forms of self-expression known to man. Many are used in tribal ceremonies and in the last century were also used as a means of identification (in WW2 by an evil man). Nowadays, many people get a tattoo as a form of self-expression. It may be patriotic, it may be a favourite cartoon character, it may be artistic or it may be an expression of love for another person. It is certainly a matter of personal choice. ***My history*** Suffice to say, when I was 18 years old, I went and got myself two tattoos. One on my back and one on the top of my left arm. Last year I got a shield with the scottish flag and some scrollwork done on my lower... Read review

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Advantages: see review
Disadvantages: see review

...When I was a little girl, I used to mither my mum all the time for money so I could go to the shop to buy some sweets. Whenever they were on sale I used to buy the Chewing gums that came wrapped in a tattoo. You know the ones were you put water on them and they come off onto your skin, I would walk around covered in them. I loved having these tattoos all over my arms and I showed them off proudly. I remember my mum saying one day "they will be the only tattoo's you will ever get, if you ever get a real one I'll disown you." Yeah right as if…. Well I'm all grown up now and as soon as I turned 18 I got my first Tattoo. My husband never liked tattoo's either but we went through a rough patch and whilst we were split up I sneaked off to the local Tattoo parlour and got my first one. It all stemmed from there really and now I'm the proud... Read review

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Advantages: Your personal statement to the world.
Disadvantages: Still stigmatised, I'm afraid.

...This is yet another of those sticky subjects: say the wrong thing and you might find yourself on the receiving end of a barrage of comments. Fine. Fair enough. What I can say here is that I am FOR tattoos. I will never really know why, I just find them fascinating. And I have one of my own, so I can speak from a position of experience at least. The advice I can give to anyone thinking of getting a tattoo is: think. Because the fact that they are permanent is one fact that cannot be changed, erased or even bent slightly out of shape. If you are out with your mates, as pissed as a fart, and you hear the word ‘Tattoo’, RUN. To the hills, in the opposite direction, or far, far away. Whichever reaction comes first. Because, getting yourself tattooed while under the influence (of whatever it is you happen to be on... Read review

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Advantages: Beautiful photography, loads of tattoos
Disadvantages: The text at the beginning is boring.

...I became obsessed with tattoos at a very young age; I would look for tattoos on people and often ask them what their tattoos meant and why they got them. Predictably at about 14 years old I started to want a tattoo. I pestered my Mum for two years solid and when I was 16 she thought she'd call my bluff. She marched me into a tattooist and told me to pick a tattoo and get it done there and then. She thought I would wimp out but I didn't and I still love the tattoo I got that day. I guess some people are just meant to get ink. Anyway, I digress the point in hand is the fabulous book, "1000 Tattoos". I found this little gem in a bookshop that was closing down for the princely sum of £1.00 although on Amazon copies are selling from £17.30 to £52.39. ~~~~~~ The cover of the book has tattoo photos on the front and back, the back being... Read review

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Advantages: Will help you make the right choices.
Disadvantages: Can take a while.

...I really love tattoos and in fact all forms of body art. I think it is a great way to express yourself and it can help you love bits of your body you hate. They are definitely not for every one and aren't the kind of thing that should be entered into lightly which is why I decided to write this op. I would like to point out that I am not an expert, I know my stuff but no where near as much as an ESTABLISHED, COMPETANT tattooist. It is good to read advice, in fact I would whole-heartedly encourage people to do so, but all important questions about hygiene, risks and aftercare should be answered by a professional. Please don't fall into the trap of believing that friend who had a tattoo a while back and now feels in the position to give you advice, listen to them, take it in but still ask a pro. Also if you had a tattoo and the skin... Read review

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Advantages: a permanent artwork
Disadvantages: remember that you will one day be wrinkly!

...From as far back as I can remember I've wanted a tattoo. When I was about 14/15 years old I would, more often than not, have a fake stuck-on tattoo somewhere on my body and my mum bought me an ink kit when I was about 19 - just a load of stencils and pads of ink to draw with, all very non-permanent (i could rub off the ink if I licked my finger!). So I've always known I'd get a real tattoo. It wasn't until I moved away from home and had met people who actually had tattoos that I finally got my own one done. I had lots of word-of-mouth recomendations from friends which was very helpful in making my decisions as to where I would get it done. One of the guys even took me into a studio just to look through the designs. This helped a lot as seeing some of the amazing artwork made me realise it wasn't all just chinese symbols or skull... Read review

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Advantages: Can be very pretty
Disadvantages: Could go wrong

...I know that there are many people out there that are disgusted by tattoos but I just feel I should share my opinion on the matter. Hopefully I won't bore you too much...there might be someone out there who, like me, enjoys hearing about other people's tattoos and experiences with them! I got my first tattoo when I was just 16 and waiting for my GCSE results. I was quietly confident that I had done well enough to get into college and so wanted to celebrate. It may sound like a weird way to celebrate lol but I really wanted a tattoo and had chosen this one in particular a couple of years before. At first my mam said that it was a bad idea but the more she said it the more I wanted it so in the end she told me to do what I liked (she knew I would anyway!). Eventually she came round to the idea and even came with me to book... Read review

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Advantages: People can go Amazing lengths to TATTOO body parts/EROTIC eye opening
Disadvantages: Can get a bit grim ' HINT HINT in certain places of the BODY'

...I read this book as I have been intrigued by the Art of Tattoo for many years although so far have not YET dared to go and get a tattoo of my very own. I suppose the fear of needles you may think. But no its more the hygeine factor with me. So this is a review on my actually getting a tattoo at long last. All because I read this amazing book which dashed my fears and I went for it. If you are thinking of getting a tattoo or just want to see to what lengths people have gone in tattooing their bodies, this is the best out their so check it out. This 25th anniversary edition of Tattoos explores the history of the art worldwide, though designs and photos from the 19th-century engravings to tribal body art, from colorful circus ladies of the 1920s to classic world-recognised biker designs, this volume features a unique expanse collection... Read review

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Advantages: Some beautiful designs
Disadvantages: The pain

...My first tattoo I got was when I was 23, almost 8yrs ago now. Before I got it, I’d always walked past the tattoo parlour I’d been trying to make up my mind whether to get one or not. But every time I was walking past the place, hearing the needle going I always seemed to ‘chicken out’. The most important part of getting a tattoo had already been done though. The decision to get a tattoo. I cannot stress enough that when you go for a tattoo be 100% that you do want one. And also where you want it. Do you want it on your arm, down your leg or else were. (If you are in full time employment, this is a serious issue to consider). THE TATTOO PARLOUR ------------------ When going for a tattoo go to someone who is a professional (i.e. the tattooist with correct qualifications etc.), some people say it’s ok ‘to go and see a friend’ which... Read review

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Advantages: can look nice and are individual
Disadvantages: they are perminent and can be regretted

...as unsightly,although one did offer to take him on provided he wore gloves on all delivery drops and pick ups. I have a tattoo on my top right arm.It is 12" high and of a semi naked lady (me when i was thinner).Now I love it,and in 12 years have not regretted having it done.But,it's at the top of my arm and anything with a small sleeve can cover it up.Excellent for job interveiws or family weddings!My other is on my bum,equally well hidden. One further thing it's worth knowing,and I doubt you'll find any information on,is the fact that your tattoo may well turn out to be your own personal weather station.Let me explain... Many people who I know have discovered that when the weather is bad,and the air pressure drops ,that their tattos often develope lumps and bumps and can be itchy.The bumps will go down as the weather settles,and it can... Read review

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